IRS, How long should I keep records: keep tax records until the period of limitations runs out, generally 3 years (IRS, How long should I keep records? (page last reviewed 30 June 2026))
The IRS ties how long tax records are kept to how long the return can still be reopened. In the ordinary case that is 3 years after the return was filed.
Dated 31 Oct 2026Source checked 31 Oct 2026Basis: primary text
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In the source's own words
“Generally, you must keep your records that support an item of income, deduction or credit shown on your tax return until the period of limitations for that tax return runs out. ... Keep records for 3 years if situations (4), (5), and (6) below do not apply to you.”
Where it was read
Also read from the same source
- IRS, How long should I keep records: 7 years for bad debts, 6 years for large omissions, indefinitely with no return or a fraudulent one (IRS, How long should I keep records? (page last reviewed 30 June 2026))
- IRS, How long should I keep records: employment tax records at least 4 years (IRS, How long should I keep records? (page last reviewed 30 June 2026))
- IRS, How long should I keep records: property records until the disposal year closes, and other purposes may need longer (IRS, How long should I keep records? (page last reviewed 30 June 2026))
Figures it counts in
It is shown on its own, not counted into a figure.
Cited in this guide